What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones are hard, crystal-like deposits that form in your kidneys when certain minerals build up in your urine. They can range in size and may cause severe pain, blood in the urine, or trouble urinating. While small stones often pass on their own, larger ones may need medical treatment. Understanding what causes them, how to prevent them, and when to seek care can help protect your urinary health and reduce the risk of future stones.
What do kidney stones look like?
Kidney stones can vary in appearance depending on their composition and size. They may be smooth or jagged and can range in colour from yellow to brown. Some common appearances include:
- Calcium stones: Usually brown or yellow, with a smooth or jagged surface
- Uric acid stones: Often smooth, round, and yellow or reddish-brown
- Struvite stones: Typically large and horn-shaped
- Cystine stones: Usually yellow and crystalline in appearance
Types of Kidney Stones
There are several types of kidney stones, each with different compositions:
- Calcium stones: The most common type, accounting for about 80% of all kidney stones. These are primarily composed of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate.
- Uric acid stones: Form when urine is consistently acidic and can occur in people with gout or those who consume a high-protein diet.
- Struvite stones: Often associated with urinary tract infections and can grow quite large quickly.
- Cystine stones: Rare and hereditary, resulting from a genetic disorder that causes cystine to leak into the urine.
What are the symptoms of Kidney Stones
Kidney stone symptoms can vary depending on the stone's size and location. Common symptoms include:
- Severe pain in the side, back, lower abdomen, or groyne
- Pain that comes in waves and fluctuates in intensity
- Pain or burning sensation during urination
- Urgent and frequent need to urinate
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cloudy or smelly urine
- Fever and chills (if an infection is present)
It's important to note that small kidney stones may pass through the urinary tract without causing noticeable symptom
What causes Kidney Stones
Several factors can contribute to the formation of kidney stones, or renal calculi:
- Insufficient fluid intake: Not drinking enough water can lead to concentrated urine, increasing the risk of stone formation.
- Diet: Consuming foods high in oxalates, sodium, and animal protein can increase the risk of certain types of stones.
- Medical conditions: Conditions such as gout, inflammatory bowel disease, and chronic diarrhoea can increase the riskof kidney stones.
- Genetics: Some people have a hereditary predisposition to developing kidney stones.
- Certain medications: Some medications, such as diuretics and calcium-based antacids, can increase the risk of stone formation.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese is associated with an increased risk of kidney stones.
- Lack of physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle may contribute to stone formation.
How to prevent Kidney Stones
Preventing kidney stones involves making some dietary and lifestyle changes. Here are some of the most effective strategies:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses daily.
- Adjust your diet: Reduce sodium and animal protein intake. Eat calcium-rich foods but avoid calcium supplements unless prescribed by your doctor.
- Medical conditions: Conditions such as gout, inflammatory bowel disease, and chronic diarrhoea can increase the riskof kidney stones.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity increases the risk of kidney stones.
- Limit certain foods: Reduce consumption of oxalate-rich foods like spinach, chocolate, and nuts if you're prone to calcium oxalate stones.
- Consider lemon juice: Citrate in lemon juice may help prevent certain types of stones.
- Avoid excessive vitamin C supplements: High doses can increase oxalate levels in your urine. By incorporating these prevention strategies into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing kidney stones.
Kidney Stones Diagnosis and Tests
Ever wondered how doctors determine if you have a kidney stone (renal calculi)?
- Physical exam: Your doctor will feel your belly and ask about your kidney stone symptoms.
- Urine tests: You might need to pee in a cup. This helps check for infections and see what's in your urine.
- Blood tests: A quick prick of the needle can tell a lot about what's going on inside.
- Imaging tests: These are like taking pictures of your insides. You might have:
- Limit certain foods: Reduce consumption of oxalate-rich foods like spinach, chocolate, and nuts if you're prone to calcium oxalate stones.
- Consider lemon juice: Citrate in lemon juice may help prevent certain types of stones.
- Avoid excessive vitamin C supplements: High doses can increase oxalate levels in your urine. By incorporating these prevention strategies into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing kidney stones.
These tests help your doctor see where the kidney stonekidney stone is and how big it is. This info helps them decide on the best kidney stone treatment for you.
Dr. Vishal Dutt Gour
MBBS, MS - General Surgery, MCh - Urology/Genito-Urinary Surgery, Urologist, Urological Surgeon, Andrologist
Dr. Gautam Banga
MBBS, MS - General Surgery, MCh - Urology, Urologist, Andrologist, Urological Surgeon
When to See a Doctor for Kidney Stones?
You might be wondering, "Do I really need to see a doctor?" Well, here are some signs that it's time to get checked out for kidney stones:
- If the kidney stone pain is so bad you can't sit still
- If you're feeling sick to your stomach and throwing up
- If you have a fever and chills (this could mean an infection)
- If you see blood in your pee
- If you're having trouble peeing
Don't try to tough it out! These symptoms could mean your kidney stone is causing problems, and you need help to avoid complications.
Kidney Stone Treatments
The treatment approach for kidney stones depends on the size, location, and type of stone. Here are some common treatment options:
- Passing stones naturally: For small stones (usually less than 4 mm), increasing fluid intake and taking pain medication may be sufficient. Drinking plenty of water helps flush out the urinary system and may allow the stone to pass on its own.
- Medications: Your doctor may prescribe certain medications to help manage pain or facilitate stone passage.
- Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL): This non-invasive procedure uses sound waves to break larger stones into smaller pieces that can pass more easily through the urinary tract. It's often used for stones in the kidney or upper ureter.
- Ureteroscopy: For stones in the ureter or kidney, a thin tube with a camera is passed through the urethra and bladder to locate and remove the stone or break it into smaller pieces. This procedure is commonly used for stones that are too large to pass on their own but too small for shock wave lithotripsy.
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL): This surgical procedure is used for very large kidney stones or stones that can't be treated with other methods. A small incision is made in the back, and a nephroscope is used to locate and remove the stone.
- Laser lithotripsy: In this procedure, a laser is used to break up the stone into smaller fragments that can be passed more easily. This is often done in conjunction with ureteroscopy.
For larger or more complex stones, your doctor may recommend a combination of these treatments to effectively remove the stone and prevent complications.
Kidney Stones Medications
Several medications can be used to manage kidney stones:
- Pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or opioids for kidney stone pain management.
- Alpha-blockers: To relax the ureter and facilitate kidney stone passage.
- Thiazide diuretics: To prevent calcium stones from forming.
- Allopurinol: To reduce uric acid levels and prevent uric acid stones.
- Antibiotics: If a urinary tract infection is present.
- Potassium citrate: To help prevent certain types of stones by making urine less acidic.
Kidney Stones Treatment Cost
The cost of kidney stone treatment varies depending on the procedure, hospital, and the patient’s condition. Common treatments include medication, shockwave lithotripsy, or surgery like ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy. It’s essential to consult a doctor to determine the best approach based on the size and location of the stone. Patients should compare treatment options and facilities to find an affordable and effective solution. Some hospitals offer packages that include consultation, tests, and surgery. Always ask for a detailed cost breakdown to avoid surprises and choose a trusted healthcare provider.
We believe in transparency. You can enquire about the treatment Cost and we will help you with complete detailed treatment process till your recovery.Check Kidney Stone Treatment Cost
Foods That Can Cause Kidney Stones
Certain foods may increase the risk of kidney stone formation, especially in susceptible individuals:
- High-oxalate foods: Spinach, rhubarb, nuts, chocolate, beets, and some berries
- High-sodium foods:Processed foods, canned soups, and salty snacks
- Animal proteins: Excessive consumption of meat, fish, and poultry
- Sugar and high-fructose corn syrup: Found in many processed foods and beverages
- Alcohol and caffeinated beverages: Can lead to dehydration if consumed in excess
- Potassium citrate: To help prevent certain types of stones by making urine less acidic.
Foods to eat with Kidney Stones
A balanced diet can help prevent kidney stones Consider incorporating these foods:
- Water-rich fruits and vegetables: Watermelon, cucumber, celery
- Citrus fruits: Lemons, limes, oranges (rich in citrate, which may prevent stone formation)
- Low-fat dairy products: Good source of calcium without excessive animal protein
- Whole grains: Rich in fibre and nutrients
- Plant-based proteins: Beans, lentils, and tofu as alternatives to animal protein
- Potassium-rich foods: Bananas, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens.
Outlook and Prognosis
The prognosis for kidney stones is generally good, with most people recovering fully. However, having one kidney stone increases the risk of developing another within 5-7 years. Adhering to prevention strategies and following your doctor's advice can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence.
FAQs
Early signs include a dull ache in the lower back or side, frequent need to urinate, burning during urination, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine.
Kidney stones cause sudden, sharp pain in the back or side that can spread to the lower abdomen and groin. The pain may come in waves and be very intense.
The cost of laser kidney stone surgery (RIRS) at SCI Hospital is very competitive. The final cost depends on the size and complexity of the stone. We provide a detailed cost estimate after your initial consultation. You can also get an estimate on WhatsApp.
For minimally invasive procedures like laser lithotripsy (RIRS) and Ureteroscopy, most patients can return to their normal activities within a day or two. For PCNL, the recovery might take a week.
Small stones may be managed at home with fluids and painkillers, but if pain is severe or symptoms worsen, see a doctor right away.
Yes, we have tie-ups with all major insurance providers and offer cashless facilities. Our team will assist you with all the paperwork for a hassle-free experience.
The best prevention strategy is to stay hydrated by drinking 2-3 liters of water daily. Depending on the type of stone you had, our doctors will also provide a personalized diet plan, which may include reducing sodium and animal protein intake.
You can book an appointment easily by calling us at [Phone Number], filling out the form on our website, or clicking the "Book Free Appointment" button below.
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Dr. Vishal Dutt Gour is the Consultant Urologist and Male Fertility Specialist at SCI International Hospital. After graduating as a doctor from Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital in Mumbai, Dr. Gour gained his General Surgery and Urology Specialist qualifications from B J Medical College and Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad. He was awarded the Shri Dhirajlal Desai Medal for first in M.Ch (Urology).
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